camping newbies

[scoobyscott]

Hi guys looking for some advice regarding getting kids and my gf into camping. I've been a few times wild camping with my dad and mates on a few occasions so have some experience but in no way an expert. Leahanne my gf is really keen on the whole camping thing but her kids are not so keen. It's actually there idea of hell, no wifi and bugs!!
So what Im looking for is any suggestions as to how to get them into it and where without scunnering them first time. I honestly think they would like it if they gave it a go. They whinge like hell if I suggest walks up the ochils or to country parks but enjoy it once were there.  I'm based in Alloa so not too far from the trossachs etc.
Also what essential gear do I need? Thanks in advance

[JimJams]

Instead of going all out in the first try, why not take them 'glamping' let them get a taste for sleeping under the stars with a bit of luxury?
I must admit, I've never cracked the camping game. Maybe it's the cheap tents or sleeping bags I seem to buy, or the amount of alcohol I drink before sleeping, but I always wake up either cold, wet or miserable and vow I'll never do it again.
I'm going camping for 2 nights in a few weeks, we'll see if I'm a tad more prepared this time!

[scoobyscott]

I had thought of that and we drove to a campsite down the road. It even had wifi which surprisingly didn't sway them! I kind of think that's defeating the whole getting away concept that I was aiming for. Maybe I'm being selfish though?
Good luck with the camping, I must admit I don't get a great sleep out in the wild either but the whole experience outweighs the crap sleep

[rannoch raider]

I think if you are taking the kids and partner there are a few things that will help win them over. I would suggest that you might want to camp near your vehicle so you can carry plenty of equipment, water and food. The lightweight wilderness experience is a bit extreme for first time campers. Take a bit of care planning your trip and consider the weather. If you get it right they'll love it. The essentials should include.......
A dependable tent that will protect from the elements and provide a warm, dry shelter. Ideally this should have midge mesh protection as the little monsters can ruin a trip into the outdoors. Some sort of canopy or a tarp to sit under in showery weather is also useful as is a beach type windbreak which helps with outdoor cooking.
A decent camp lamp.
Warm sleeping bags and some sort of sleeping mat for comfort and insulation.
plenty of nice food and snacks to keep the morale high.
chairs of some sort.
You might want to consider a portable toilet or something similar?
A log burner of some sort to gather round of an evening.
A nice bottle of wine or two for you and the missus when the sun goes down.
Have some sort of activity planned for the kids and include collecting and preparing wood for fire etc. They actually like a wee bit of responsibility!
The rest is up to you.
I'd definitely skip a busy campsite with all mod cons or your kids will disappear into some sort of games room never to be seen in the 'outdoors' for the duration of your trip.
Most important of all , keep smiling   

[Inchlaggan]

I agree with Element, make the camping incidental.
As one of the few "outdoorsy" types in my family and circle of friends and neighbours, and owning the required kit, I have often been called upon to introduce youngsters to the great outdoors.
The deal is fun and variety. You need a dozen or so activity possibilities- a seaside location doubles your options. If the kids show little interest in one, move onto the next. When something enthrals them, leave them to it.
I have found a fire essential, and use it for most of the cooking.
Abandon bedtime, let them stay up as long as they want to, learn a few stars.
Bugs, beasties and spiders are your enemy, so make them your friends- a bug hunt kit is cheap enough.

[alba]

I don't class myself as an expert but have been wild camping most of my life, the scouts is what started me.

Show them how to build a fire safely, teach them how to cook, collect wood responsibly, fish, look for wildlife, even take stuff with you for games etc and show them the fun they can have outdoors.

Good start as a half way point would be say loch chon campsite.

[Fishtales]

If you don't mind the drive then try the Shore Caravan Site at Achmelvich. Beach, walks, rocks to climb over, wi-fi and, in season, a fish a chip shop at weekends.

http://shorecaravansite.yolasite.com

[scoobyscott]

Thanks for all the suggestions lots of good info to get me started. Will look into your suggested sites for starters and the beach does make sense. Everyone likes beaches especially as a kid and there'll be less midges at the beach. It's just trying to get the settled weather now

[Fishtales]

For a shorter drive have a look at Arisaig, Morar or Tralee Bay (Benderloch, up past Oban, where the Sea Life Centre is) or Machrihanish. Back up north Big Sand at Gairloch, Strath Gairloch (behind the Millcroft Hotel), Clachtoll, Durness or Bettyhill.

[Fishtales]

I was thinking more about campsite camping to start with.

https://campkintyre.co.uk/touring-camping/